flinders island
hidden off the north east coast of tasmania

highlights

• An opportunity to climb the island's highest peak - Mt Strzelecki- plus several other challenging climbs
  
  

• Coastal hiking at it's best, featuring many idyllic coves

• Search for Killiecrankie diamonds, a white topaz stone

• Learn how to catch squid and cook them at a beach BBQ
  
  
• Be pampered in luxurious accommodation and enjoy fine dining with a focus on organic local produce
  
  
  

Strzelecki Peak

Situated off the coast of Tasmania in Bass Strait, holidaying on Flinders Island is like stepping back in time. The pace of life here is slower, the locals friendlier, the fresh clean air nurtures you. And it's only a short flight from either the mainland or Tasmania.

The Strzelecki Range viewed from Sawyers Bay

As you approach the island it looks like a bunch of mountains jutting out of the sea. It's 75km long and 40km wide. There are tall peaks, sea cliffs, large rivers and idyllic coves. Much of the central part of the island is covered in lush green farmland and dotted with tiny settlements.

Lush pastures near the capital, Whitemark

The walking offers tremendous variety. There are rocky coastlines to explore, interspersed with beautiful sandy beaches. There are serene river estuaries and picturesque inlets. There's an opportunity to climb the highest peak on the island as well as several smaller peaks. For those with a good head for heights there's the airy ascent of Mt Pillinger, referred to by locals as the "Eiger of Flinders Island".

Standing on top of Mt Pillinger

Wildlife abounds too. There are numerous wallabies (far too many for the locals!), huge Cape Barren geese, wild peacocks, pheasants, birds of prey and large numbers of seabirds.

Cape Barren geese and a cute wallaby

location
Starts and finishes on Flinders Island. There are flights from Essendon (Melbourne) and Launcestion (Tasmania).

travel
Air conditioned mini bus. Total travel distance about 200km.

grading
You should be in reasonable shape, but there’s certainly no need to be a triathlete!  On some days we’ll do a full day walk and on other days there may be several shorter walks.  Our full day walks generally involve 5-7 hours on the track at a moderate pace, though this might be broken into two or three separate sections.  We have designed this itinerary so that there will be shorter options offered each day or you will have the chance to pull out part way along.  So, most people should find options that suit their fitness level.

Flinders Island has a rugged rocky coastline down the west coast and more gentle sandy beaches down the east coast. There are also a couple of large mountain ranges where fit people will be challenged on high peaks - as always, there will be easier alternatives offered. To get the most out of this holiday you should be comfortable walking around rocky coastal headlands.

Palana Beach at the northern tip of the island

accommodation
During this holiday we'll be based for all six nights at the one accommodation property, Vistas on Trousers Point. This is a 4.5 star luxury retreat surrounded by national park. There are great
views of the coast and mountains. The property features themed bedrooms, guest lounge with
open fire, bar, sundeck and outdoor spa. There are only 8 guest rooms so we are limiting the
number of single rooms to two.

Vistas, nestled at the base of Mt Strzelecki

One of the themed rooms at Vistas

Ocean views from the verandah

regional wine & food
You'll enjoy dining at Chappels Restaurant, accompanied by an excellent range of Tasmanian wines. At Chappels, the owners feature fresh local produce and specialities and offer organic produce whenever possible. On one night there will be an opportunity to learn how to fish (or just watch if you prefer) and then we'll cook up the catch at a beach BBQ.

what's included
6 nights accommodation, all meals from dinner on day one to breakfast on the last morning (6
breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners), 2 guides (offering a choice of easier and harder walks), all
transport from Flinders Island airport, beach fishing, entry to Furneaux Museum, National
Park fees, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, notes, maps.

not included
Flights to/from Flinders Island, alcohol, drinks with meals (except tea/coffee).

Stackys Bight on the Killiecrankie Walk

departure dates
Please see our Departure Dates section of the website

prices
Please see our Prices section of the website

itinerary guide - 7 days
(includes 6 nights accommodation)

Day 1: This holiday commences on Flinders Island. You can fly to the island from Essendon
(near Melbourne airport) or Launceston (in Tasmania) with Airlines of Tasmania
(www.airtasmania.com.au or phone 1800 144 460). This afternoon, we’ll do a short forest walk at the foot of the Strzelecki Ranges. Accommodation: Vistas at Trousers Point, for all 6 nights.

Trousers Point Beach - a short stroll from your accommodation

Day 2: Today we’ll explore the historic Settlement Point area on the west coast of the island.
The walking starts at picturesque Sawyers Bay, with some boulder hopping and beach
walking. A derelict jetty with a magnificent backdrop of the Strzelecki Ranges will have
cameras working overtime. We hike across the peninsula then along the beach to Castle
Rock, a massive granite boulder that stands over 15 metres high. On a visit to the Furneaux Historical Museum we’ll learn about Wybalenna, one of the most important Aboriginal historic sites in Australia. It was here in the 1930s that the Tasmanian government resettled what it thought to be the remaining Tasmanian Aboriginal people; unfortunately a failed exercise. At the museum you’ll also learn about early sailors, sealers, mutton birders and settlers.

Day 3: Still on the west side of the island, we head further north today to Mount Killiecrankie.
Today’s stunning coastal hike hugs the rocky shores from The Dock to the sleepy fishing
settlement of Killiecrankie. Orange lichen decorates the granite boulders and the azure blue
water beckons swimmers at Stacky’s Bight. Old Man’s Head, a unique rock formation,
dominates the southern section of the hike. Finish the afternoon searching for stunning white topaz stones, known locally as Killiecrankie diamonds.

Killiecrankie diamonds - a rare find!

Day 4: The highlight for many will be the challenging ascent of Mt Strzelecki, named after Sir
Paul Edmund de Strzelecki who explored many parts of Australia in the 1800s. He’s well
known for being the first European to climb Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain. The
track climbs up through the rugged Big River valley where there are waterfalls and a delightful
fern gully. As you climb higher the vegetation changes to sub alpine and finally you reach the
bouldery summit. At 756 metres, you are on the highest point on the island. As usual, an easier
option will be available. Late this afternoon you can try your luck at beach fishing and our
accommodation hosts will BBQ the catch for you.

The view on the climb up Mt Strzelecki

Day 5: Today we explore the remote northern shores of the island, starting at the idyllic beach
at Palana. There is no track as we pick our way along the coast to North East River. Rocky
headlands covered in bright orange lichen are interspersed with short stretches of pristine
sandy beaches. Bring the swimming gear today! Watching the speed at which the water
enters the river estuary at North East River is a highlight.

Day 6: The final hike is in the Darling Range in the central part of the island. And what a
highlight it is. Starting at aptly named Walkers Lookout, we traverse a high ridge that offers
excellent views in all directions. For fit walkers with a good head for heights there’s an optional
ascent of atmospheric Mt Pillinger - known to locals as the Eiger of Flinders Island.

Day 7: This holiday finishes after breakfast. You will be transferred to the local airport to fly out
to Launceston. There are no direct flights to Melbourne on this day so you will have to fly to
Launceston first or pay for a post tour night on the island.

Rocky coastline dotted with idyllic coves

fact sheet
Would you like more detailed information about this trip?

Download our Flinders Island Group Guided Walking Holiday Fact Sheet. It contains a detailed itinerary with walking times and distances and more information on accommodations including photos of places you will stay at.

Note: If you are having trouble opening this Fact Sheet, please click on the link to download the latest version of Adobe Reader.

prices
See the prices section

how to book
See the booking section

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